Silver/Polypyrrole-Functionalized Polyurethane Foam Embedded Phase Change Materials for Thermal Energy Harvesting

Abstract

Conversion of solar energy into thermal energy stored in phase change materials (PCMs) can effectively relieve the energy dilemma and improve energy utilization efficiency. However, facile fabrication of form-stable PCMs (FSPCMs) to achieve simultaneously energetic solar–thermal, conversion and storage remains a formidable challenge. Herein, we report a desirable solar–thermal energy conversion and storage system that utilizes paraffin (PW) as energy-storage units, the silver/polypyrrole-functionalized polyurethane (PU) foam as the cage and energy conversion platform to restrain the fluidity of the melting paraffin and achieve high solar–thermal energy conversion efficiency (93.7%) simultaneously. The obtained FSPCMs possess high thermal energy storage density (187.4 J/g) and an excellent leak-proof property. In addition, 200 accelerated solar–thermal energy conversion-cycling tests demonstrated that the resultant FSPCMs had excellent cycling durability and reversible solar–thermal energy conversion ability, which offered a potential possibility in the field of solar energy utilization technology.

Study of the Characteristics of Polyurethane as a Sustainable Material used for Buildings, Polymer Composite, Biomedical, and Electronics Application

“…Our findings provide insight into the thermoelectric energy conversion capability of a novel PZT/PU composite material. According to Fan et al [103], By turning solar energy into thermal energy stored in phase transition materials, the energy dilemma can be addressed, and energy consumption efficiency boosted (PCMs). Nonetheless, the straightforward synthesis of form-stable PCMs (FSPCMs) continues to be challenging for the simultaneous integration of energetic solar-thermal conversion, storage, and manufacturing.…”

Thermal properties and applications of form‐stable phase change materials for thermal energy storage and thermal management: A review

“…Li et al 46 synthesized FSPCM with superior flame retardancy by adding triazine char forming agent (CFA) and ammonium polyphosphate (APP) to paraffin/polypropylene. Fan et al 45 coated silver/polypyrrole composites with good photo‐thermal converting capacity and thermal conductivity on polyurethane (PU) foam to prepare a silver/polypyrrole‐functionalized polyurethane (PU) foam skeleton. Paraffin wax was then incorporated into silver/polypyrrole‐functionalized polyurethane (PU) foam to synthesize the FSPCM with photo‐thermal converting effectiveness of 93.7%.…”

Development of polymeric insulating foams for low‐temperature thermal energy storage applications

“…Polyurethane can be also produced as flexible foam, rubber, and rigid resin, to be applied in shipbuilding, sports, footwear, and automotive sector. [20][21][22] Polyurethanes can be obtained by the reaction between isocyanates and polyols in presence of a catalyst. 23 Several types of isocyanates can be used, like toluene-diisocyanate (TDI) and methylene-diphenyldiisocyanate (MDI).…”

“…In the refrigeration sector, PUF is typically sprayed between the inner and outer envelope of freezers free to expand, but it can also be produced as panels for other use like in buildings. Polyurethane can be also produced as flexible foam, rubber, and rigid resin, to be applied in shipbuilding, sports, footwear, and automotive sector 20–22 . Polyurethanes can be obtained by the reaction between isocyanates and polyols in presence of a catalyst 23 .…”